Social Media Activities With Different Content Characteristics and Adolescent Mental Health: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.73098
• Publication Date: 2025-04-28T21:05:10Z
• Authors: Chia-chen Yang; Paul Hunhoff; Yen Lee; Jonah Abrell
• Keywords: Preprint; Cross-sectional study; Content (measure theory)

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Adolescent mental health concerns are rising in the United States, with social media often cited as a contributing factor, although research findings remain mixed. A key limitation is simplistic view of use, which fails to consistently predict well-being. Scholars call for more nuanced framework and better understanding how use influences adolescent through various psychosocial mechanisms. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> Using Multidimensional Model Social Media Use, we explored 4 activities content characteristics (intimate directed communication, intimate broadcasting, positive consumption) associated depression anxiety 3 mediators: support, approval anxiety, comparison. <title>METHODS</title> Cross-sectional survey data were collected Qualtrics’ panel service from sample adolescents whose gender racial or ethnic distributions nationally representative (N=2105; mean age 15.39, SD 1.82 years). Participants passed attention checks ensure validity. Measures included 9 validated scales (Cronbach α=0.83-0.91): consumption), mediators (social comparison), 2 outcomes (depression anxiety). Mplus, performed 2-step structural equation modeling. Confirmatory factor analysis established scale validity, path tested hypothesized exploratory associations between activities, mediators, health, controlling demographic covariates amount phone use. fit criteria (comparative index Tucker-Lewis close greater than 0.95; root square error approximation was less 0.08) met. Significance determined using false discovery rate control, familywise type 1 set at 0.05. <title>RESULTS</title> Our showed that broadcasting lower (β=–.14; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;&amp;lt;.001) (β=–.06; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;=.03), mainly direct paths. The other related problems. Specifically, communication (β=.06; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;=.03) &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;=.04); (β=.07; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;=.02); consumption higher (β=.13; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;&amp;lt;.001). Approval comparison played salient role these total effects. <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> highlight importance distinguishing when assessing risks benefits. Intimate became risk factors increased comparison, both. Positive because its anxiety.